Workforce Development Solutions for Emerging Talent

Managing Your Reputation

Celebrities and high-ranking political officials make a conscious effort to craft their public reputation. Everything from the way they dress, to the words that they use, to the things they do, to the places where they are seen and the people they associate with are orchestrated to build their reputation. Reputation management is not reserved for the wealthy and powerful; it’s a skill that every working person should adopt.

A good reputation is difficult and time-consuming to build. Once established, it must be maintained. It can be used as currency to open doors of opportunities for yourself and others. Unfortunately, your reputation can be easily destroyed. Once damaged it is nearly impossible to rebuild to its original status.

Although you cannot control everything that is said about you, there are a few proactive steps you can take to manage your reputation.

1.   What kind of reputation do you aspire to have? Think in descriptive words, like  dependable, honest, diplomatic, polished, etc. Consider what actions you must take every day to live up to that descriptive word.

2.   Know the reputation you currently have. Are you known as a go-getter, a gossip, a problem  solver, a whiner, a slacker, or a flatterer? What do you do on a regular basis to maintain or reduce this view of yourself?  How do you see yourself? If you do not like your reputation begin the process to change it.

3. Be a person of your word. Your actions speak louder than your words. People form opinions about you based on how you act or react.

4. Your reputation is being built when you do simple things such as return a call or e-mail promptly, write a piece of correspondence, make a presentation, make and keep a promise. Be conscious of your daily activities and how they affect your reputation.

The key to building and managing your reputation is consistency. If your goal is to be known look as a polished professional, you must be consistent and dress the part every day. And then you must sustain that image.